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Mario Frick (footballer)

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Mario Frick (born 7 September 1974) is a Liechtensteiner retired professional footballer who is currently a manager for Luzern. He has earned 125 caps and scored a national record 16 goals for his country from his international debut in 1993 until his retirement in 2015. Mainly a striker, Frick was also deployed as a centre-back on occasion.

Mario Frick
Frick captaining Liechtenstein in 2015
Personal information
Full name Mario Frick
Date of birth (1974-09-07) 7 September 1974 (age 50)
Place of birth Chur, Switzerland[1]
Height 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s)
Youth career
1982–1990 Balzers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1990–1994 Balzers 97 (49)
1994–1996 St. Gallen 60 (11)
1996–1999 Basel 81 (30)
1999–2000 Zürich 41 (7)
2000–2001 Arezzo 23 (18)
2001–2002 Verona 24 (7)
2002–2006 Ternana 133 (44)
2006–2009 Siena 88 (14)
2009–2011 St. Gallen 41 (5)
2011 Grasshopper 8 (1)
2011–2016 Balzers 69 (7)
Total 664 (190)
International career
1993–2015 Liechtenstein 125 (16)
Managerial career
2012–2017 Balzers
2017–2018 FC Vaduz U18
2017–2018 Liechtenstein U18
2017–2018 Liechtenstein U19
2018–2021 Vaduz
2021– Luzern
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

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Early career

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Born in Chur, Graubünden, Switzerland, Frick started his career with the youth team at Liechtensteiner club FC Balzers, in which he then played four seasons in the first team within the early 1990s.[1]

In 1994, Frick played abroad for the first time, signing with FC St. Gallen.[1] In doing so, Frick became the first ever professional footballer in Liechtenstein history.[2]

Frick joined Basel's first team for their 1996–97 season under head coach Karl Engel. After playing in two test games, Frick played his debut for his new club in the 1996 UEFA Intertoto Cup in the away game against Antalyaspor on 29 June 1996 as Basel won 5–2.[3] Then after playing in another test game, in which he scored a goal against Thun as Basel won 4–0,[4] Frick played his domestic league debut for the club in the away game in the Stadion Brügglifeld on 10 July as Basel won 1–0 against Aarau.[5] He scored his first goal for his club on 27 July in the away game in the Stadion Wankdorf against Young Boys as Basel drew 2–2. The game was later recorded as a 3–0 forfeit victory for FCB because YB used an unqualified player.[6] Frick scored his first recorded domestic league goal for Basel on 11 August in the away game in the Stade Tourbillon as Basel drew 2–2 with Sion.[7]

Between the years 1996 and 1999 Frick played a total of 115 games for Basel scoring a total of 37 goals. 81 of these games were in the Nationalliga A, five in the Swiss Cup, three in the UIC and 26 were friendly games. He scored 30 goals in the domestic league, two in the Cup, one in the UIC and the other four were scored during the test games.[8]

After his spells in the Swiss Super League with FC Basel and then FC Zürich, where he built a successful strike partnership with South Africa striker Shaun Bartlett,[9] Frick began catching the eyes of scouts from some of the best leagues in the world, including the Serie A in neighboring Italy.[1]

Italy

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He signed ahead of the 2000–01 Serie C season for A.C. Arezzo, becoming the first ever Liechtensteiner to play professionally in Italy. On his debut, Frick scored both goals in a 2–1 win against Lucchese.[10] With Arezzo, he scored an impressive 18 goals in 23 matches and became the highest scoring foreigner in the division at the time.[1][11][10] Frick's good form helped Arezzo reach the Serie B promotion play-offs but they lost to Livorno 5–1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.[12]

After his debut season with Arezzo, Frick signed a contract with Serie A club Hellas Verona.[13] His first Serie A goal for Hellas came in a 2–2 draw against Parma on 28 October 2001.[14][15]

Manager Alberto Malesani employed a 3–4–3 attacking formation with Frick being one of the three forwards. He would play alongside other promising youth including Alberto Gilardino, Adrian Mutu, Mauro Camoranesi, Sebastien Frey, Martin Laursen, Massimo Oddo, and Marco Cassetti, all of whom would both go on to have successful careers.[16][17]

However, after a three-year stay in the Serie A, Verona was relegated at the end of the 2001–02 season. Frick signed with Serie B side Ternana on 25 August 2002.[18][19][11] Frick was described at the time as a player with "pace and predatory instincts [that] make him a danger inside the penalty area and he has proved he can score against tough opponents."[11]

On 8 January 2006, Frick extended his contract with Ternana until June 2009.[20] Frick would go on to leave Ternana at the end of the 2005–06 season following their relegation from Serie B. Frick played four seasons with Ternana, amassing a total of 133 league games and scored 44 goals; both were personal records for Frick at a single club.

Frick moved to A.C. Siena in July 2006.[21] He wore the number 7 as one of the club's starting formation, playing in the Serie A once again. Upon the expiry of his contract in May 2009, he left Siena.

Later career

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On 22 June 2009, FC St. Gallen signed the Liechtensteiner forward on a free transfer until June 2010.[22]

Following his spell with St. Gallen, Frick moved onto Grasshoppers in January 2011.[1]

Frick decided to end his professional career and go part-time, returning to his first club FC Balzers in July 2011. Frick retired as a player following the 2015–16 season at the age of 41.[1]

International career

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Frick made his Liechtenstein debut in October 1993 in a friendly against Estonia, and established himself almost immediately as a key player for the Liechtenstein national football team.[23] He went on to score his first goal for the national team in a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Romania in September 1997.[24]

On 7 June 2000, Frick scored a notable goal away to Germany to level the scores at 2–2; Germany would score 6 goals in the last 10 minutes of the match though to win 8–2.[25]

Frick had a falling out with both the national coach, Ralf Loose, and the Liechtenstein Football Association near the end of the 2002 World Cup qualification stages, and he was left out of the team. This episode is chronicled in Charlie Connelly's book, Stamping Grounds: Liechtenstein's Quest for the World Cup.[26] After changes concerning both the Liechtenstein Football Association and the coach, Frick returned to be part of the squad, which included playing in both games against England.[11]

During a Euro 2008 qualifier against Latvia, Frick netted the only goal of the game which brought Liechtenstein their first win over a side that had qualified for a major tournament.[27]

On 10 August 2011, Frick made a record 100th appearance for Liechtenstein.[24]

Frick announced his retirement from international football in October 2015, at the age of 41, after 125 appearances and 16 goals for the Liechtenstein national side.[23] He made his final international appearance for Liechtenstein in a 3–0 defeat to Austria in a European qualifying match on 12 October 2015.[28]

Frick is the all-time record goal-scorer for Liechtenstein.[24]

Career statistics

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International

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Scores and results list Liechtenstein's goal tally first.[29]
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 6 September 1997 Sportpark Eschen-Mauren, Eschen, Liechtenstein   Romania 1–7 1–8 1998 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
2 14 October 1998 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein   Azerbaijan 1–0 2–1 UEFA Euro 2000 Qualifying
3 7 June 2000 Dreisamstadion, Freiburg, Germany   Germany 2–2 2–8 Friendly match
4 21 August 2002 Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands   Faroe Islands 1–0 1–3 Friendly match
5 20 August 2003 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein   San Marino 1–0 2–2 Friendly match
6 13 October 2004 Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg   Luxembourg 3–0 4–0 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
7 17 November 2004 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein   Latvia 1–1 1–3 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
8 7 September 2005 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein   Luxembourg 1–0 3–0 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
9 6 September 2006 Ullevi Stadion, Gothenburg, Sweden   Sweden 1–1 1–3 UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifying
10 6 October 2006 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein   Austria 1–0 1–2 Friendly match
11 28 March 2007 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein   Latvia 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifying
12 22 August 2007 Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland   Northern Ireland 1–3 1–3 UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifying
13 17 October 2007 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein   Iceland 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifying
14 6 June 2009 Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland   Finland 1–0 1–2 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
15 7 September 2010 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland   Scotland 1–0 1–2 UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying
16 17 November 2010 A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia   Estonia 1–0 1–1 Friendly match

Managerial career

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On 17 September 2018, Frick was appointed manager of FC Vaduz.[30] In his first season at the club, Frick led the club to a world record 47th Liechtenstein Football Cup title with a 3–2 win over FC Ruggell on 1 May 2019.[31][32] In January 2020 his contract was extended until summer 2021.[33]

Frick guided the club back into the Swiss Super League on 10 August 2020 following a second place finish in the 2019–20 Swiss Challenge League and subsequent 5–4 aggregate victory over FC Thun in the relegation play-offs.[34]

On 20 December 2021, he was announced as the new head coach of struggling Super League club FC Luzern.[35]

Personal life

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Frick's sons, Yanik and Noah, are also professional footballers and both internationals for the Liechtenstein national football team.[36][37]

Honours

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As a player

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Balzers

FC Zürich

Individual

As a manager

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FC Vaduz

Individual

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Mario Frick: Liechtenstein's unsung hero". Gentleman Ultra. 12 November 2016. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  2. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (29 June 1996). "Antalyaspor - FC Basel 2:5 (2:3)". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  4. ^ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (5 July 1996). "FC Thun - FC Basel 0:4 (0:1)". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Archived from the original on 20 January 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  5. ^ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (10 July 1996). "FC Aarau - FC Basel 0:1 (0:0)". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  6. ^ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (27 July 1996). "BSC Young Boys - FC Basel 0:3 FF". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Archived from the original on 20 January 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  7. ^ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (11 August 1996). "FC Sion - FC Basel 2:2 (1:2)". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Archived from the original on 20 January 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  8. ^ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (1999). "Mario Frick - FCB statistic". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Archived from the original on 20 January 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  9. ^ Connelly 2002, 52
  10. ^ a b Connelly 2002, 137
  11. ^ a b c d "Frick's credentials prove Liechtenstein are due respect". The Independent. 26 March 2003. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  12. ^ Connelly 2002, 222
  13. ^ "Mario Frick è il nuovo allenatore del Vaduz" (in Italian). Calcio Hellas. 19 September 2018. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  14. ^ "Parma 2–2 Hellas Verona". Lega Serie A (in Italian). 28 October 2001. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  15. ^ Connelly 2002, 315
  16. ^ "How Fate Contrived to Unfairly Banish Mauro Camoranesi to the Shadows". These Football Times. 12 May 2018. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  17. ^ "Remembering the Overlooked Brilliance of Juventus Legend Mauro Camoranesi". Bleacher Report. 16 December 2016. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  18. ^ "Ternana: un sogno chiamato Mario Frick" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. 25 August 2002. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  19. ^ "Liechtenstein name young squad". BBC. 18 March 2003. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  20. ^ "Mario Frick extends contract with Ternana". Big Soccer. 8 January 2006. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  21. ^ "The Life and Times of Mario Frick". In Bed With Maradona. 14 March 2011. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  22. ^ "Busse für Mario Frick" (in German). Blick. 9 September 2010. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  23. ^ a b Sabino Palermo (13 October 2015). "Frick, il "10" dei record si ritira: il Liechtenstein saluta il capitano" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  24. ^ a b c "Century just reward for Liechtenstein's Frick". UEFA. 8 August 2011. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  25. ^ Connelly 2002, 57
  26. ^ "A Liechtenstein romance". ESPN. 1 April 2003. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
  27. ^ "The last European minnows part 1: San Marino and Liechtenstein". The Paths Less Travelled. 4 September 2010. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  28. ^ "Austria ease past Liechtenstein to finish unbeaten". UEFA.com. 12 October 2015. Archived from the original on 13 October 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  29. ^ "Statistik:Liechtensteiner Fussballverband" (in German). Liechtensteiner Fussballverband. Archived from the original on 1 August 2009. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  30. ^ "Official – Mario Frick is the new Vaduz FC boss". Football Ghana. 17 September 2018. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  31. ^ "Domestic Cups Trivia". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  32. ^ a b "Spielbericht: FC Vaduz vs. FC Ruggell 3:2" (in German). FC Vaduz. 1 May 2019. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  33. ^ "Vaduz manager Mario Frick signs contract until 2021". www.vaterland.li. 22 January 2020. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  34. ^ "Geschafft! Aufstieg in die Raiffeisen Super League". FC Vaduz (in German). 10 August 2020. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  35. ^ "HERZLICH WILLKOMMEN MARIO!". fcl.ch (in German). 20 December 2021. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  36. ^ "Jungspund Yanik Frick eifert Vater Mario nach". vol.at. 22 July 2016. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  37. ^ Pescio, Marco (8 October 2018). "Frick-Söhne wollen gemeinsam in die Ländle-Nati" [Frick's sons want to join the national team together] (in German). Blick. Archived from the original on 23 March 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  38. ^ Swissinfo.ch (2000). "Late-Zurich-goal-deluge-sinks-Lucerne". Swissinfo.ch. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  39. ^ "Die Bisherigen Fussballer des Jahres" (in German). Fussballer des Jahres. Archived from the original on 9 October 2007. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  40. ^ "Das SFL-Team der Saison 2022/23" (in German). Swiss Football League. 29 June 2023. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  • Connelly, Charlie (2002) Stamping Grounds: Exploring Liechtenstein and Its World Cup Dreams. Abacus.
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